Diwali

Diwali, also known as Dipavali, is a major festival of lights. It is a sacred time for many people in India and around the world. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "deepa," meaning lamp, and "avali," meaning row. This describes the rows of lights used during the celebration. For many, the festival represents the victory of Dharma over Adharma. This means the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness. It also symbolizes light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

The festival follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November. The celebrations coincide with the new moon, known as amāvasyā. The festivities typically last five or six days. They begin two days before the new moon on a day called Dhanteras. The main climax occurs on the third day, which is the main Diwali. The celebrations then extend for two more days.

Many different religious traditions observe Diwali with their own meanings. In Hinduism, the festival is linked to many deities. Many people worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They also honor Ganesha, the god of wisdom who removes obstacles. In Eastern India and Bangladesh, many Hindus worship the goddess Kali. Jains celebrate Diwali to mark the final liberation of Mahavira. Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas to remember the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal prison.

Specific rituals and decorations make the festival very sensory. People illuminate their homes, temples, and workspaces. They use diyas, which are small oil lamps, along with candles and lanterns. Some decorations include jhalars, which are hanging ornaments. Many people also create rangoli, which are colorful designs made on the floor. A common ritual for Hindus is taking an oil bath at dawn. Families also share large feasts and sweet treats called mithai.

Diwali has a very deep history in the Indian subcontinent. It likely began as a fusion of ancient harvest festivals. Early Sanskrit texts like the Padma Purana mention the festival. In the 7th century, the play Nagananda by Emperor Harsha described a festival of lights. In the 9th century, Rajasekhara wrote about whitewashing homes and decorating with oil lamps. Many travelers recorded these traditions. The Persian historian Al Biruni wrote about it in the 11th century. The Venetian merchant Niccolò de' Conti saw many lamps in the 15th century.

Legends provide the stories behind the celebrations. One famous story from the Ramayana tells of Prince Rama. He returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. They had defeated the demon king Ravana after 14 years of exile. Another legend involves Lord Krishna. He defeated the evil king Narakasura to release 16,000 captive girls. This victory is remembered on Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali.

Today, Diwali is a massive global event. It is an official public holiday in many countries. These include Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Some states in the United States, like Connecticut and Pennsylvania, also recognize it. For the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diaspora, it is a major cultural event. It serves as a time for families to bond and for communities to gather. Many towns hold parades, music, and dance performances in public parks.